Young Guns Rising: How Jo, Yong, and Nguyen Are Shaking Up the LPBA

Rising Stars Break Through

The future of Korean women's billiards is here, and it’s wearing the jerseys of Jo Yea-eun, Yong Hyun-ji, and Nguyen Hoang Yen Nhi. At the 2025-26 Huons PBA-LPBA Championship held at Goyang Kintex PBA Stadium, these three 20-something players stormed through the PPQ (first preliminary) round, securing their spots in the PQ (second preliminary) stage. Jo, representing SK Rent-a-Car, defeated Lee Ji-yeon2 24-16 in 26 innings, showcasing a commanding performance with consecutive scoring runs. Yong, from Welcome Savings Bank, edged out Jung Soo-hyun 18-17 in a tense 28-inning battle, while Nguyen of Vietnam, playing for SY, crushed Kim Seong-eun 22-8 in 31 innings, highlighted by a powerful 6-point high run . Their victories weren’t isolated; other young talents like Kim Do-kyung, Jeon Ae-rin, and Park Ye-won also advanced, painting a clear picture of a generational shift . This wave of youth is not just participating—they’re dominating the early stages of one of Korea’s most prestigious billiards tours .

Meet the New Generation

Who exactly are these rising stars? Jo Yea-eun, born in 2002, has been steadily climbing the ranks since her debut in the 2021-22 LPBA season. Now a key member of SK Rent-a-Car, she’s known for her disciplined training, reportedly spending over 10 hours a day at the 강차당구연구소 (Kang-cha Billiards Institute) run by veteran players . Her journey from a development player to a team regular reflects the PBA’s successful team league system in nurturing talent . Yong Hyun-ji, once dubbed the 'fairy of billiards,' has a more dramatic story. She left high school to pursue her passion, faced early career struggles and even considered quitting, but persevered to become a vital part of her team, celebrated as a 'hidden MVP' for her positive energy and doubles play . Then there’s Nguyen Hoang Yen Nhi, the second Vietnamese player to join the LPBA after Nguyễn Lê Liên Quỳnh. A former UMB player and bronze medalist at the World Women's Three-Cushion Championship, Nguyen represents the LPBA’s growing international appeal . Her first win in the LPBA was a major milestone, celebrated widely in Vietnam’s billiards community . Together, they embody a new era of dedication, resilience, and global ambition .

The Cultural Shift in Korean Billiards

The rise of these young players is more than just a sports story—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The PBA team league has fundamentally changed how the sport is played and perceived in Korea. Female players like Kim Ga-young and Kim Bo-mi have openly credited the league for their rapid skill development, saying they learn in one or two team matches what used to take ten individual games . This environment of mentorship and high-pressure teamwork is precisely what’s accelerating the growth of players like Jo and Yong. The Goyang Kintex PBA Stadium, a dedicated venue since 2023, has become a pilgrimage site for fans and hobbyists, transforming billiards from a casual pastime into a serious spectator sport . Online communities like Daum and Naver are buzzing with discussions, analyzing every high run and strategic move. The presence of international stars like Nguyen adds another layer, turning domestic tournaments into global showcases. This blend of youth, teamwork, and international flair is redefining Korean billiards for a new generation of fans .

What’s Next for the Young Contenders?

With their PPQ victories secured, the focus now shifts to the main draw. The PQ round, held on October 21, 2025, will determine who advances to the LPBA 64-strong field . Here, the young guns will face seasoned champions like Kim Ga-young (Hana Card), Strong (Woorigumbank Capital), and Kim Min-ah (NH Nonghyup Card), who received byes as seeded players . The path is steep, but the momentum is real. Jo Yea-eun, for instance, could face a potential clash with Sakai Ayako of Japan in the 64th round, a dream matchup for fans of international rivalry . The Huons Championship, with a total prize pool of 350 million KRW, is a pivotal moment in the season, often called the 'turning point' for players fighting for survival or promotion . For these young athletes, every inning is a statement. Their success isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about proving that the future of Korean billiards is bright, diverse, and incredibly exciting. Can they turn early momentum into a deep tournament run? The world is watching .